However, the former Olympic, World and Commonwealth gold medallist has now confirmed that his final competitive appearance will be on September 8 when he takes part in the innovative Great North CityGames, an event he has regularly attended in the past.

“It will be my fifth and final appearance at the Great North CityGames,” Rutherford was quoted as saying by Athletics Weekly. “The Great North CityGames have always been an innovative concept and I’m excited to launch a new format of competition.”

The Great North CityGames incorporates a number of different events, including the 100 metres, pole vault and long jump, while the culmination of the competition comes with the Simplyhealth Great North Run, which will take place 24 hours after Rutherford jumps for the final time.

Rutherford will certainly be hoping to round off what has been a glittering career by winning the competition,
The 31-year-old’s career highlight came when he won gold at the 2012 Olympics on home soil, while he also claimed Commonwealth glory in 2014 and the world title the following year.